I purchased a two-year old Honda Dylan 125cc scooter from a private seller in June 2006. The exhaust failed four months later. I took the scooter to Honda because it was under warranty, and the exhaust was replaced for free. It failed a further three times and each time Honda footed the bill. When the exhaust failed a fifth time, I had to pay £233. Can you get my money back? TF, Cambridge

The scooter is five years old and I think Honda has been reasonable; it replaced the part four times. Clearly, there must have been some kind of design problem and you recounted a conversation to me where the dealer told you on the phone that "it is a known fault". It is asking a bit much for another free replacement but, clearly, if this exhaust fails you will be in the driving seat, or saddle, to insist on a free replacement as you paid this time.